Insight into the inversion mechanism of an inverse polymer emulsion.
A study of the mechanism of inversion of inverse polymer emulsions showed that the likely key step in the inversion process is the swelling of polymer particles caused by added water diffusing through the oil phase. Therefore, we propose that inversion occurs as a result of polymer particle crowding caused by water diffusion and subsequent droplet rupture that results in the release of the polymer into the water phase.
Gelman
Robert A
RA
Hercules Incorporated, Research Center, Wilmington, DE 19808, USA.
Harrington
John C
JC
Vaynberg
K Abe
KA